NEW TOURISM BOSS APPOINTED FOR THE ISLAND

David Thornton has been appointed the new as chief executive of a new tourist board whose aim is to promote the Isle of Wight as a world-class holiday destination, redfunnel.co.uk reports.

Mr Thornton has taken on the position of chief executive at Visit Isle of Wight after 25 years in the industry, which saw positions at Visit Peak District and Derbyshire, Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Alton Towers.

He will be in charge of promoting Isle of Wight accommodation as well as the many attractions the Island boasts.

He said in a statement on Monday: “Visit Isle of Wight’s priority is to continue to build on our rightful position as a leader visitor destination.”

“While there are many challenges ahead of us, we will succeed if we all work together.”

He added that as a regular visitor to the Island for 40 years, he now looks forward to ‘serving the inspirational places and people’ who had provided him with rewarding holidays in the past.

The Destination Management Operation (DMO) is owned by the private sector, but is also aided by